International

Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Two months Xmas leave for crew short Australian Navy

Christmas has come early to Australian sailors after the country's navy ordered an extended two-month holiday in response to staff shortages and a drive to attract and retain sailors with a better work-life balance.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Shareholders unite: Barclays cancels directors' bonuses

Britain's Barclays PLC has said that executive directors will not receive any annual bonus this year as the bank seeks to pacify investors over its £7 billion fundraising. The bank also announced that all members of its board, including chief executive John Varley and investment banking boss Bob Diamond, are to be put up for re-election at its AGM next April.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK inflation drops fastest rate in 16 years; deflation fears

Inflation in the United Kingdom is dropping at its fastest rate for 16 years thanks to falling fuel prices. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) slowed to 4.5% in October from 5.2% the previous month.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China joins IDB and contributes with 350 million USD

China will join the Inter-American Development Bank as a donor member, building on its growing links with Latin America and the Caribbean. China will become the 48th member country in the Washington, DC-based IDB, the single largest source of long-term lending for the region.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Japan sets off whaling season; ignores Australia

Japan's whaling fleet mother ship, Nisshin Maru, has slipped out of port on the way to a full-scale Antarctic hunt, despite repeated attempts by the Australian Government to curtail the killing.
Monday, November 17th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Japan and Hong Kong officially accept they are in recession

Japan's economy has entered its first recession since 2001 after shrinking by 0.1% in the third quarter. The world's second-biggest economy had previous shrunk by 0.9% in the April to June quarter.
Monday, November 17th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
IMF calls for more funding to help with global recovery

The head of the International Monetary Fund says it will need more funding if it is to play a bigger role in aiding a global economic recovery.
Sunday, November 16th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chinese industrial output hits 7-year low in October

China's industrial output hit a seven year low as the global economic slowdown continues to batter the world's fourth largest economy eroding demand for Chinese exports.
Sunday, November 16th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Brown claims G20 backed his blueprint for combating crisis

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown claimed Saturday that world leaders had backed his blueprint for combating the global slowdown. He said they had agreed to “fiscal measures” to stimulate the economy - likely to mean increased government spending and cuts in taxes.
Sunday, November 16th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
G20 agrees financial reform agenda and free trade timetable

Global leaders at the G20 financial summit in Washington have pledged to work together to restore global growth. They said they were determined to work together to achieve “needed reforms” in the world's financial systems.